Ask The Vet
Pregnant Cow Still Cycling
QUESTION:
I bought a cow that was artificially inseminated and diagnosed as safe in calf. She was in standing heat about a month before her due date. I called the breeder, and he said she may have aborted. I was not very happy, but then she calved a few days before her due date. Now I have to eat crow. How could this happen?
ANSWER:
Pregnancy does not stop a cow from cycling. It is not common, but I have seen this on several occasions, including on my farm. If a cow has been diagnosed as pregnant and shows heat, never assume she is open until she has been rechecked. You could end up selling a pregnant cow. I have also seen problems when owners put these cows on estrus-synchronization programs. If a cow has not just recently calved, have her preg-checked before starting to sync.
(ES/SK/AG)
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